Misleading tittle given by NAVHIND TIMES on my article/letter

Dear Editor

Arun Sinha,

Navhind Times

I regret to inform you that my letter which appeared today (20.5.2013 ) in your Navhind Times is enclosed for your perusal. I have not given that title but I suppose it must have been a mistake committed by someone at your desk.  I was a bit in trouble as my friends kept on calling and  asking  what kind of tittle I have selected i.e " MOPA AND DAMBOLIM SHOULD CO-EXIST" . In fact my write up is only for Dabolim and not for Mopa and the title given by NT is misleading. May be Question Mark was omitted by mistake.  Another mistake was done is Dambolim instead of  Dabolim. Anyway I am not much bothered about it but my friends keeps on calling me which irritates me. Please, I request you, Sir to kindly  inform the concerned person or a reporter not to make such mistakes in future. I do not mind that rest of my write up is omitted  probably there was no space in your column because my word count was in excess. Rest was fine. Thank you for publishing my letter. .Sorry if I have bothered you,

Estevam Dias, D.Paula

==================================================

 Mopa and Dambolim Should Co-exist'

Estevam Dias, Dona Paula

The Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar after addressing media along with the Fisheries Minister, Mr Avertano Furtado MLA and Mr Caitano D'Silva on Saturday in Margao gives us an impression that both the airport Mopa as well as Dabolim shall co-exist in Goa. He refused to listen to the sentiments from people of Goa that Dabolim should be the only airport to remain operative until 2030. He also is not willing to stop the land acquisition process for the airport at Mopa which he has started. Earlier he had stated that his minister, late Mathany Saldanha accepted Mopa which was later been proved otherwise, by a rally at Lohia Maidan, Margao, headed by Fr Eremita in presence of Mathany's wife, Ms Alina Saldanha, Mr Avertano Furtado and Mr Benjamim D'Silva and others. They have assured that the sentiments of the people shall be conveyed to Chief Minister who will listen to the grievances. Now it appears that he is not willing to compromise and he is in fact adamant that both the airports shall co-exist. He also said and blamed the erstwhile Congress Government and its ministers who had approved the Mopa airport during their tenure and now he himself is continuing its project since he says that the decisions cannot be changed abruptly. When the people do not want Mopa airport, I wonder why Mr Parrikar wants to go ahead with the project when the tiny state, cannot afford two airports within aerial distance of less than 15 km. The crowd also pronounced that the Mopa will be more useful for Maharashtra and not for Goa and that there will be also unhappiness for all those people who have lost their land and sold to VVIP's near Mopa. What is the guarantee of CM saying about the written assurance that he would categorically indicate that Dabolim airport would remain operational as commercial and civil airport when the Union Defense Minister, Mr A K Antony announced recently that the Dabolim will not be disturbed from Navy? 

Published in Navhind Times dt 21.5.2013

'Mopa and Dambolim Should Co-exist'

Estevam Dias, Dona Paula

The Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar after addressing media along with the Fisheries Minister, Mr Avertano Furtado MLA and Mr Caitano D'Silva on Saturday in Margao gives us an impression that both the airport Mopa as well as Dabolim shall co-exist in Goa. He refused to listen to the sentiments from people of Goa that Dabolim should be the only airport to remain operative until 2030. He also is not willing to stop the land acquisition process for the airport at Mopa which he has started. Earlier he had stated that his minister, late Mathany Saldanha accepted Mopa which was later been proved otherwise, by a rally at Lohia Maidan, Margao, headed by Fr Eremita in presence of Mathany's wife, Ms Alina Saldanha, Mr Avertano Furtado and Mr Benjamim D'Silva and others. They have assured that the sentiments of the people shall be conveyed to Chief Minister who will listen to the grievances. Now it appears that he is not willing to compromise and he is in fact adamant that both the airports shall co-exist. He also said and blamed the erstwhile Congress Government and its ministers who had approved the Mopa airport during their tenure and now he himself is continuing its project since he says that the decisions cannot be changed abruptly. When the people do not want Mopa airport, I wonder why Mr Parrikar wants to go ahead with the project when the tiny state, cannot afford two airports within aerial distance of less than 15 km. The crowd also pronounced that the Mopa will be more useful for Maharashtra and not for Goa and that there will be also unhappiness for all those people who have lost their land and sold to VVIP's near Mopa. What is the guarantee of CM saying about the written assurance that he would categorically indicate that Dabolim airport would remain operational as commercial and civil airport when the Union Defense Minister, Mr A K Antony announced recently that the Dabolim will not be disturbed from Navy? 

Article on Mopa disaster

To, 

The Editor

Mr Amitabh Dasgupta

Gomantak Times

Panjim

Ref: This has reference to the article written by Mr Pramod Kandeparker and Mr. SND Poojary, Miramar on Gomantak Times dated 20.5.2013.

I request you to please publish this article/letter in your Editorial columns. Thanks.

Estevam Dias

D.Paula

Retd NIO Scientist

Mob: 9422443110

( This writer can be contacted on <steve.dias60@gmail.com)

=================================================================

MOPA DISASTER  by Estevam Dias,D.Paula 

There are attempts made to compare mangoes with tomatoes and fueling communal sentiments in respect to the on going agitations by the people of Goa on the construction of MOPA Airport and comparing it with the Konkan Railway agitations. Can construction of Kadamba Bus stand at Patto be compared to MOPA? We must realize there was no bus stand in the city opposite to the Old Post Office . But it was a temporary a parking lot where I used to frequent these buses so called CAMINHAO on those days.

The premise that only Christians opposed the Konkan Railway along the present route is fallacious and misleading. Was Vijay Sardesai a Christian ?

Isn't it true that the presence of the rail route along khazan lands and water bodies in highly populated areas of Goa, not resulted in the numerous accidents, derailment and crime in Goa?

It is also to be appreciated that water logging and water flow has been prevented due to the demands of the anti Konkan railway agitations and the remedial actions taken by the Railway Board to this effect. Had the right minded Goans not agitated then,Goa would see greater disasters along the Konkan Railway route.

Goans did not oppose Konkan Railway but wanted it to be relocated through the hinterland. No doubt today Konkan Railway is a cheap mode for the criminals and the gateway to the migrants menace, which communal elements amongst Goans fail to see or purposefully refuse to accept.

The Mopa Airport would spell doom for Goa and Goans as the real estate lobby would transform Goa into a grey paradise far away from the green economy which we are hoping for.

Communal writers, favour Mopa over the already existing Dabolim only to satisfy their saddest desire that people of South Goa suffer as the coming up of Mopa would spell imminent doom for the civilian facility at Dabolim. Two airports are unviable in Goa moreover it is less than 15 kms by aerial distance between Mopa and Dabolim  and Goans must protect Dabolim for civilian facility and not allow the defense forces to usurp civilian land. We have already foolishly given Angedive island and several hot spots in Goa to the armed forces. It is time that we preserve Goa for the generations to come for their future judicious use.

Estevam Dias, D.Paula

date: 20.5.2013

One important thing that the TOI reporter has missed is the congestion on roads and garbage accumulating by these tourists in their pvt.cars.

For some domestic tourists a car could be their hotel room

May 20, 2013, 02.32AM IST TNN

PANAJI: The trend of driving to Goa on weekends or for a short holiday is picking up as many domestic tourists are opting to bring their vehicles to Goa rather than rely on private transport available in the state. Tourists also enjoy the leisurely drive to Goa in the comfort of their own vehicle, and some even spend a night in the parked car. 

Delhi-resident Sanjay Aggarwal who drove his SUV packed with friends to Goa said, "When you travel in your own vehicle you can easily cut down on travelling costs as taking a flight could be very costly if tickets are not booked in advance. Also, you are not at the mercy of local taxi drivers who charge exorbitantly." Aggarwal also recalled a bitter exchange he had with a taxi driver during a visit to Goa two years earlier. 

While there are no available statistics of domestic tourists visiting Goa in their own vehicles, the trend is catching and is evident from the number of outstation vehicles that can be spotted at tourist spots in the state. 

Chennai-based IT professional Rakesh Mohan drove to Goa with his wife last week on a holiday. He opted to drive as this offers one the liberty of taking a break anytime. "If I like a particular spot I can halt and enjoy the scenery without bothering about the running meter of the taxi," Mohan, who finds driving an exhilarating experience, said. 

For some, a vehicle can also be an alternative to a hotel room. Abhay Patil and his friends travelled from Chalishgao, Maharashtra, in their four-wheeler. "Coming in our own car is more convenient and if hotel accommodation is expensive, we can always sleep in the vehicle itself," Patil said. A number of tourists are seen sleeping in their vehicles at night. 

Samir Morajkar, a manager of a popular nightclub in Arpora, said domestic tourists drive to Goa from across the country. "I have seen people come driving from Himachal Pradesh and even from the east coast," Morajkar said. 

There is also a large segment of tourists coming from states like Rajashtan, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh who opt for package bus tours which are more economical than train travel. 

Ahmedabad businessman Nilesh Kumar, 45, in Goa with his wife and two kids said. "This time, I have chosen to travel by air since my kids insisted on it. I also wanted to have this experience to travel at least once. At other times, when I have come with friends or alone, I have taken a train or a bus as it is more cost effective," Kumar said. 

Kumar believes it is better to travel by one's own vehicle than be at the mercy of the local transporters. He said his entire travel cost this trip was 50,000 for four people. 

Those who don't come in their own vehicles find renting a two-wheeler and riding across the state on it an economical option. "We have taken two bikes on rent as it is cheaper than spending 1,500-2,000 a day on taxis to visit few tourist spots," said Shreeyash and his three friends who are in Goa to chill out after the exams. 

A family of 53 from Baroda who sojourned in Goa was for two days said package bus tours are affordable. Tejas Shah, 33, a serviceman, said, "Our entire trip became affordable and was cost effective because we came in this package bus tour from Baroda. It involved food as well, so we don't have to spend separately." tnn

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Special status for Goa is need of the hour. NT dt 20.5.2013

Dear Chief Minister of Goa, Mr Manohar Parrikar It is your  responsibility that Goa gets a special status as woes by Alina  in her speech at Chinchinim. It is all true whatever she said but our politicians are turning their nelson eye and probably it is for their own interest and not for the Goans. You being a intelligent person and I am sure that you can do it , we expect before  you relinquishes your post or before your tenure gets over , please see that Goa  gets soon a special status and that will be your credit Sir. Estevam Dias D.Paula =Centre should accord special status  to help protect Goa's identity: Alina

The Minister for Environment and Forest, Ms Alina Saldanha, addressing the gathering at a meeting held at Chinchinim to press for the demand of special status for Goa on Sunday. The local MLA, Mr Benjamin D'Silva also attended the meeting along with other activists. Roque Dias | NT NT NETWORK  MARGAO: The Minister for Forest and Environment, Ms Alina Saldanha, on Sunday, said that Goa having been under the Portuguese rule earlier was not given due state's representation unlike other states in the country while forming the Constitution, and hence the central government should consider Goa's case as a special one and accord special status to the state to help protect its identity. Ms Saldanha said that "after Independence, many government ruled the country, but never thought of considering Goa's case and accord special status under Article 341.  "Once the special status is given to Goa, the state would have freedom to frame rules, which would largely benefit the Goans,'' she added. Ms Saldanha, carrying forward the legacy of her late activist husband, Matanhy Saldanha, appealed to the people to be united by keeping aside the political differences to fight for the special status to protect the Goa's left over land for the future generation. Explaining the importance of special status in the backdrop of increasing migrant population in the state and outnumbering of Goans in Goa, Ms Saldanha felt that it is the time to call for the freezing of the migrant population.  "I am not against the influx of migrants. But, what bothers me is that it is taking a toll on the Goa's infrastructure and the Goans are on the verge of losing their identity,'' she stressed adding further that they have to even rush to Delhi with the request of special status. She observed that Goans are selling their land to the builders for few more money and the builders sell the flats and villas to the rich and influential people, who invest in Goa making it their second home, adding the original Goans cannot afford to pay huge price to buy land in the state. The local MLA, Mr Benjamin D'Silva stated that the Congress MLAs should urge the government at the Centre to grant special status to Goa.  It may be recalled here at the a resolution has been adopted in the Assembly during the budget session seeking special status for the state to protect its identity. Mr D'Silva congratulated Ms Saldanha for taking forward the issue of special status and assured his support.  Mr Serfin Cota said that the people should unite and demand special status from the central government. He opined that it can be achieved through mass movement.  Interestingly, this Chinchinim meeting was the second meeting held by the Goa's Movement for Special Status, founded by late Matanhy Saldanha.  Limited crowd attended the meeting. Ms Saldanha later speaking to the media, said that Sunday, being a holiday and people are engaged in their pre-monsoons works, the attendance was less.

GMC Doctors doing private practice: NT dt 20.5.2013

Dear Editor/s Local dailies You may publish this letter;  Estevam Dias.D.Paula It is not an open secret that doctors are doing private practice, everyone knows it and that Mr Parsenkar has been told  right from the beginning of his service as  Health Minister but he remained silent. Hopefully, now at least he will take action immediately and not only suspend them, but find out all their earlier  records from GMC that these doctors were giving certification for the patients and collecting illegal amount from the accounts dept as reimbursement fees and  medicines from these illegal prescriptions . Moreover certificates were issued with  GMC seal  for getting all kind of leaves,and other benefits at their private clinics. These records could be obtained from the accounts  dept and inquiry to be initiated  and prosecuted with suspension or dismissal if found to be true. Sincere doctors needs to be applauded and promoted of their good services. This should not become similar to the Vehicle registration number plates of RTO  where it is never been implemented and every time tenders are being floated by  PWD. Not practicing allowances for contract doctors needs to be discouraged as it is going to be a burden for the public exchequer. These issues have become a joke. It appears that the Health Minister has woken up. Estevam Dias, D.Paula ====================================================== Parsekar vows action against doctors doing private practice

A number of pathology labs run without licenses Many pharmacists prescribe medicines themselves GMC's academic activities must be recognised through medical journals, all over the world Need for a post-MBBS short private practice course for students desiring to become general practitioners A small medical centre needs to be set up at the Old GMC Complex for basic care of patients Observations of doctors NT NETWORK PANAJI: Lamenting the deterioration of morality in the society in general and the medical field in particular, the Health Minister, Mr Laxmikant Parsekar on Sunday admitted that even today some government doctors are engaged in private practice even though law prohibits them from doing so.  "However, these doctors are very few in number as compared to the number of dedicated doctors in government service," the Health Minister added, pointing out that some government doctors, including those working in the Goa Medical College Hospital are not only involved in private practice, but also use the government medical staff as well as equipment for such practice. He also indicated that even though such things cannot be stopped overnight, the government will continue to act against the erring doctors.  The Health Minister, who was addressing a city function of the doctors from the first MBBS batch of the Goa Medical College, in commemoration of its golden jubilee year, said that the government doctors should dedicate themselves to providing medical services in the hospitals as well as health centres they are deputed at.  "The state government is already providing non-practicing allowance to its full-time doctors and is now planning to extend the same to its on-contract doctors so that they do not undertake private practice," Mr Parsekar disclosed, while justifying the recent decision of the government to suspend a senior doctor at the GMC Hospital for allegedly conducting private practice.  The function was attended by around 40 out of the 60 doctors from the first 'Pioneer' MBBS batch. This course, affiliated to the Bombay University, was introduced in the Goa Medical College in 1963, while replacing a course in medicine conducted by the Escola Médico-Cirúrgica de Goa. The St Andre legislator and the head of the 27-member visiting committee for the GMC Hospital, Mr Vishnu Wagh was also present on the occasion. The senior doctors from the 'Pioneer' batch, most of whom have retired from their profession, on this occasion offered their free assistance to the government in the form of advice or services, as also agreed to provide guidance to the younger generation of doctors, to bring an improvement in the medical field.  Speaking further, the Health Minister said that expansion of the medical field automatically results in its 'adulteration' through various adulterants. "Controlling this type of adulteration is a big challenge before the government," he observed, while requesting the senior doctors to be guiding forces for the government. The Health Minister, on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the first MBBS course at the GMC, announced that the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar has agreed to set up an additional health infrastructure at the Goa Medical  doctors: P8

DABOLIM AIRPORT ONLY FOR GOANS

To,

The Editor

Gomantak Times

Panjim

 

Kindly publish this article /letter in your columns. Thanks

 

Estevam Dias

D.Paula

Date 19.5.2013

 

 MOPA AIRPORT YES OR NO

The Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar after addressing media along with the Fisheries Minister Mr Avertano Furtado MLA and Mr Caitano D'Silva on Saturday in Margao  gives us an impression  that both the airport Mopa as well as Dabolim shall co-exist in Goa. He refused to listen to the sentiments from people of Goa that Dabolim should be the only airport to remain operative until 2030. He also is not willing to stop the land acquisition process for the airport at Mopa which he has started. Earlier times he said that his Minister late Mathany accepted Mopa which was later been proved  otherwise, by a rally at Lohia Maidan,Margao,  headed by Fr Eremita in presence of  Mathany' wife Mrs.Alina Saldanha , Mr.Avertano Furtado and Mr.Benjamim D'Silva and others.They have assured that the sentiments of the people shall be conveyed to the Chief Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar who will listen to the grievances of the people of Goa. Now that it appears that he is not willing to compromise and he is in fact adamant that both the airports shall co-exist. He also said and blamed the erstwhile Congress Government and its ministers who has approved the Mopa airport during their tenure and now he himself  is continuing its project since he says that the decisions cannot be changed abruptly. When the people of Goa do not want Mopa airport I wander why Parrikar wants to go ahead with the project when the tiny state of Goa, cannot afford two airports within aerial distance of less than 15 kms. The crowd also pronounced that the Mopa will be more useful for Maharashtra and not for Goa and that there will be also an unhappiness for all those people who have lost their land and sold to VVIP's near Mopa. The Chief Minister addressed the media persons where his Ministers and MLA's  were also part in the rally at Lohia Maidan and they could not impress upon him that the Dabolim only should stay and not Mopa. What is the guarantee of Chief Minister saying  about the written assurance that he would categorically indicates that Dabolim airport would remain operational as commercial and civil airport when the Defense Minister Mr A.K. Antony announced recently that the Dabolim will not be disturbed from Navy?   When Alina has all the papers which her late husband retained at her custody could be very well utilized by the Chief Minister to put his foot down for Dabolim which will be a strong case to get rid of Navy from Goa and shift to Sea Bird, Karwar. That means the Chief Minister has his plans to have another airport and the Goans might one day loose the grip of Dabolim after his tenure of his governance.  At that time he might put his hands up as nothing could be done.  Therefore,  we Goans fervently request the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar,  to accept the verdict of the people of  Goa at the Lohia Maidan that only one airport that is Dabolim is needed and to scrap Mopa forever. If there is any attempt by the Chief Minister to modify his plans of shifting Navy from Dabolim to Mopa, that also will not be tolerated by Goans as the demand is only for one Dabolim airport for the whole of Goa.   Estevam Dias D.Paula Date: 19.5.2013

 

 

Redrafting Goa Municipal Act.........".News published in NT".

For redrafting the Goa Municipality Act 1968, present BJP Goa  Govt should involve the ex-Commissioners and ex-Mayors of CCP and the stake holders also, as their experience can be considered. 

Estevam Dias, D.Paula

Govt all set to redraft Goa Municipal Act

NT NETWORK

PANAJI: The government is all set to redraft the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968 as per the requirements of the state and its people, with a three-member panel of advocates presently giving final touches to the related draft.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Francis D'Souza, who also holds the urban development portfolio, told the pressmen on Saturday that the particular legislation was enacted after the liberation of Goa, Daman and Diu from the Portuguese regime, and was entirely based on a similar Act existing in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra. "Today, the Goa Municipal Act, 1968 needs substantial amendments including delimitation of municipal wards and reservation for particular wards," he added, pointing out that many-a-times such reservations are found to be done in an arbitrary manner. 

Speaking further, the Deputy Chief Minister said that once the draft for to-be-amended Goa Municipality Act, 1968 is completed by the three-member panel, the government would seek 

Govt: P12

For redrafting the Act Govt should involve the Commissioners and mayors as they have experience.And the stake holders.

Govt all set to redraft Goa Municipal Act

NT NETWORK

PANAJI: The government is all set to redraft the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968 as per the requirements of the state and its people, with a three-member panel of advocates presently giving final touches to the related draft.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Francis D'Souza, who also holds the urban development portfolio, told the pressmen on Saturday that the particular legislation was enacted after the liberation of Goa, Daman and Diu from the Portuguese regime, and was entirely based on a similar Act existing in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra. "Today, the Goa Municipal Act, 1968 needs substantial amendments including delimitation of municipal wards and reservation for particular wards," he added, pointing out that many-a-times such reservations are found to be done in an arbitrary manner. 

Speaking further, the Deputy Chief Minister said that once the draft for to-be-amended Goa Municipality Act, 1968 is completed by the three-member panel, the government would seek 

Govt: P12

Pune Priest beaten up by a mob on May 5,2013

Thursday, May 09, 2013

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Browse > Home / newsletter-india / Priest beaten up in Pune

Priest beaten up in Pune

May 9, 2013 by admin   
Filed under newsletter-india

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The priest was left with a swollen eye after a man punched him on the face several times.

Pune, May 08, 2013: A mob of some 25 people beat up a priest and others gathered for prayers, asking them to move away from a village near Pune.

The mob attacked Fr. Wilson Patole, 48, on May 5 evening, demanding that he close down the newly built church in Pimpri village in Maharashtra state, Indian Express reported.

They "barged into the church premises and smashed the banners put up inside. At that time, prayers were going on. The mob then stood outside the church premises," said the priest.

The mob later offered to discuss the issues at the gate of the church. "As soon as we reached there, they started beating us up. They were not carrying sticks or arms," the priests said.

The priest was left with a swollen eye after a man punched him on the face "several times". He also suffered bruises on his shoulders.

The mob also attacked some of the 50 people who had gathered for evening prayers.

The mob reportedly left after the priest called up the police.

The priest lodged a police complaint late in the evening with police chowky.

Father Patole said when the church was being built there were no problems. "If they do not want us here, they should have told us. We would have moved out," he said.

Father Patole alleged that though there were 20-25 people who attacked them, the Pimpri police lodged complaint against only two. "First they refused to lodge a complaint. Then they lodged a complaint against only two persons," he said.

Father Patole said: "We are seeking action in the matter so that such attacks do not occur in future. We do not want revenge. We are peace-loving people. The police should not arrest the persons involved, but only take deterrent action."

When contacted, DCP Shahaji Umap said: "A non-cognisable offence against two persons has been registered with the Pimpri police. We have not arrested them, but have taken preventive action."

As for providing security, Umap said: "If the priest approaches us, we will take appropriate step in the matter. There is nothing political in this…the local people were objecting to the church coming up in their area."

- indian express

 

Will cycles sales be similar to helmets?

To,

All the News papers in Goa,

 

This letter may be published. Thanks

 

Estevam .Dias,D.Paula

 

 

 Mrs Alina Saldanha , Environment Minister said that the cycles is the only solution to get rid of pollution and also it gives you an  energy for the riders and thus improves their health.

Fine, I must tell her that being an Environment Minister her first duty is to bring down the pollution level on the roads by minimizing sales of diesel and petrol vehicles, as these vehicles are seldom been challan/fine by the traffic policemen  for Pollution test Certificates even though black fumes emanating from their vehicle silencers are seen.

 Also she must see that the lanes such as from D.Paula to Panjim Bus Stand and other areas must come up exclusively for cycling and jogging.

If the pollution is not brought down to the permissible limits than I am afraid that the TB or other pulmonary illnesses may rise up in this state due to increase pollution on the roads.

If she is still adamant to go for cycles than it should not be compared to helmets which is still under controversy as the sale of helmets have risen beyond limits and the businessman are in the profit, as it is not fully been implemented in Goa, similarly it should not happen with the sales of cycles when no special lane is made available.  

 

 

Estevam Dias

D.Paula

Date : 8.5.2013

Pollution should first be tackled before the cycles comes on roads

Dear Editor Navhind Times  Ref:  In regards to your Editorial dt 8.5.2013  I agree with you that cycles as suggested by Alina Minister of Environment  is important for the people to gain energy and for various reasons.s. My point is when Goa is polluted beyond limits, those who cycle will breathe the pollution and it is bad  for the riders unless masks are used. In fact the riders after breathing bad air, may soon rise TB cases    in this state. Let Alina first tackle the environment and pollution and then may be cycling is accepted. Estevam Dias D.Paula ================================= Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere."  — Albert Einstein

No Takers for Alina's Bikes MS Alina Saldanha, Goa's Minister for Environment and Forests has promised to move a proposal in cabinet for separate bicycle lanes so as to promote cycling in order to reduce automobile pollution. "Cycling would also help users keep up good health," she says. Hers is a noble idea. If people can help themselves and help make the environment less polluted by using bicycles instead of motorbikes or cars, there can be nothing better than that. It has been established by research that riding a bike is good for heart. It is good also for muscles: it tones and builds muscles, especially in the lower half of the body – calves, thighs and hips. Cycling is considered a doable daily exercise for everybody at par with walking or swimming, which allows great physical activity without the high demand of energy and movements that a sport requires to reward one with fitness. However, although individuals may ride a bike for exercising, Ms Saldanha might have to surmount several barriers before making it acceptable to as large a number of Goans for regular use as can make a difference to the level of air pollution. The air in towns of Goa still has pollution within permissible limits, but a time may come, sooner than later, when the limits would be crossed. The population of automobiles in the state has been rising exponentially. It looks impossible for Ms Saldanha to be able to persuade Goans not to buy cars or motorbikes. Because if you blame them for pollution, their owners will blame you and all the politicians of the past and present for not giving good public transport, for not building bridges over rivers, for allowing concentration of all jobs in major towns and not promoting dispersal of trade and industry across the state, so people could find jobs nearer home and could ride a bike to work and back home. Ms Saldanha was inspired to promote bike after her visit to China where she saw workers ride bikes to work along especially constructed bicycle lanes. "It's high time Goa worked in that direction," she says. Ms Saldanha should not forget that the biking tradition developed in China under conditions specific to its political and economic histories. For close to half a century China was a communist-ruled country where acquiring of any symbol of affluence such as motorbikes and cars was considered a sign of 'bourgeois' indulgence. Nobody dared to show off wealth, lest the communists attack them. China was a country of workers and peasants, said the communist leadership, and any affluence of the type allowed in capitalist countries could not be permitted there. If allowed, what difference would remain between a capitalist and communist country? The Chinese people lived like monks under communists until Deng Xiaoping, their supreme leader himself, declared the communist thinking wrong in the 1980s and famously said, "To get rich is glorious." The China you see today, the China of superhighways and multitude of millionaires, owes itself to Deng. Before Deng started liberalizing the country, bike was the most common mode of transport for the Chinese masses. But Ms Saldanha should not forget that things are changing in China too. There are no restrictions on buying motorbikes or cars in China today. If you want to buy one for yourself, the only thing that might stop you is inadequate money you have. If you have the money, you can have an automobile. Incomes are rising in China. The size of middle class is increasing. All this can only lead to a fall in the number of Chinese using bicycles. For a middle class Chinese with sufficient income, it would be adding to his social status if he rides a motorbike or drives a car. After decades of suppression, human desire is making an extravagant expression in China. The days of the bicycle may not yet be over in China, but nobody can assure it of a very long life. Isn't there a little bit of parallel we find of China with Goa? The Portuguese rule kept an overwhelming majority of Goans poor. The economy was primitive, until mining and then tourism and along with migration to the Gulf came, followed by the liberalization in the early 1990s and the ascendance of Goa to the galaxy of highest per capita income states – aren't we seeing an aspiration to rise in status in the aspiration to own a motorbike or car? Would Ms Saldanha be ever able to indoctrinate Goans to use bicycles, because nobody would be ready to reduce themselves to the status of migrant labourers who are the most common users of a bike. Ms Saldanha might not find even the grand daddies of civil society behind her in her campaign. For, even though they croak and crack at automobiles for rising air pollution, nobody has yet seen them riding around on a bike.

The air in towns of Goa still has pollution within permissible limits, but a time may come, sooner than later, when the limits would be crossed. The population of automobiles in the state has been rising exponentially